Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Daniel Swarovski (October 24, 1862 January 23, 1956), formerly Daniel Swartz, a
man who was able to instill a love of high society to the crystal stones that imitate
diamonds. Moreover, in contrast to his predecessor Georges Frdric Strass, who
was making rhinestones passing them off as diamonds, Swarovski never hid the fact
that his products were made of crystal glass and were only an imitation of
diamonds. If Georges Frdric Strass only had known about Daniel Swarovskis
future success, then perhaps he would have not deceive people.
It All Started in the Far North Bohemia
Daniel Swarovski was born on October 24, 1862 in a small village Georgenthal,
which is located in North Bohemia (formerly belonged to Austro-Hungarian Empire).
We must say that that place was a very suitable for the birth of a future master of
crystal, because North Bohemia is famous for its crystal glass masters. The
members of Daniels family were also engaged in glass processing. His father
owned a small workshop. Swarovski family business helped them to make money
for a living, although it did not indulge them with luxury. Of course Daniel helped his
father run a business, but the boy dreamed about becoming a musician. He wanted
to become a violinist.
Alas, he could not master the violin and went to Paris to be educated. There was an
important event that changed the life of a future master of crystal. Swarovski got to
the First Electrical Exhibition and met there with a lot of modern technology and
science. Most of his attention was attracted by the possibility to use electricity for
grinding glass.
Daniel Swarovski Biography
Years went by and almost 10 years after the First Electrical Exhibition (to be
precise, in 1892), Swarovski has developed the worlds first electric grinding
machine for glass. It was immediately patented by the young inventor. At this point,
Daniel realized that he should try himself in the field of entrepreneurship. However
Swarovski did not want to return to his native village. Perhaps he felt that there
were too many artists who can compete with him. Be that as it may, Daniel went to
the village of Wattens, located close to Tyrol (Austria). It was there where the first
factory was founded by Daniel Swarovski. It happened in 1895.
Originally the company was called DS & Co, which means Daniel Swarovski and
The Company. This is one version. There is another one, according to which the
company was founded by Daniel and his partner from France, and the name of the
partner went first. Perhaps it was so, but there is no much evidence of this fact.
Therefore, in 1895, the Swarovskis company launched the production of crystal
stones that imitate the appearance of precious stones. Of course the brainchild of
Swarovski had much more democratic price comparing to diamonds, and the
crystals are affordable to many people. Soon after the release, the demand for
Swarovski crystals began to rise sharply. They have become fashion accessories. By
the beginning of XX century the company was just swamped with orders and was
renamed to Swarovski. What once was a fake and produced by Georges Frdric
Strass, in the hands of Daniel Swarovski became the new fashion trend. Daniel from
the very beginning did not conceal that his brainchild were not diamonds.
The Formation of the Legend
The increased demand for the products led the company to expansion. Swarovski
hired additional 200 employees. Its products were in demand all over Europe. The
elite of Paris and St. Petersburg society quickly fell in love with crystal jewelry from
Swarovski. And it was very affordable to the middle class people, as the price on the
crystal jewelry was not as great as on the real diamonds.
In 1908, three sons of Daniel, Wilhelm, Friedrich and Alfred, joined the company
making it a truly family enterprise. Together with his sons Daniel Swarovski was
spending much time in trying to create a completely new technique of crystal
manufacturing and finally the desired result was achieved.
Then the First World War came along. The jewelry products began to lose its
demand throughout Europe and Swarovski had not reached the U.S. market yet.
Swarovski launched a subsidiary company called Tyrolit (makers of abrasive and
cutting tools). By the way, the company still exists to this day.
In the early 20s, the economic situation stabilized and the company was engaged
in crystal production using new technology. Swarovskis creations were different
from anything else that was available in the world. Competitors efforts came to
nothing, while the Swarovski company gained popularity. The fashion world was
particularly interested in Swarovski crystals, when the company was noticed by the
famous designer Coco Chanel, who was using Austrian crystals in her finery.
Swarovski work surpassed competitors largely due to a number of patents and the
secret formula that has not been solved up until now and which is the key factor in
the success of the companys products. Swarovski crystals shine noticeably brighter
and actually they are hard to be distinguished from diamonds. Many believe that
the shining effect is achieved through presence of lead in crystals. But this is not
the only option. Do not forget about the special technique of crystal cut which is
known only to Swarovskis.
However, do not think that the company was focused only on luxury goods. In 1929,
Daniel founded Swareflex division. The division unit was responsible for producing
special glass reflectors for automobiles. Then World War II came along.
There is no accurate information about what happened to the company at the war
times. But it is exactly known that it didnt stop working, as Swarovski opened a
whole new market in the United States. It is completely unclear how the company
was able to organize the sales in the U.S. After all, it was an Austrian company and
Austria was leading the war on Hitlers side.
The war was over and life gradually stabilized. The demand for luxury goods began
to recover. By the time Swarovski also produced truly individual crystal elements.
Swarovski ELEMENTS
Production way of unique Swarovski crystals is a big secret. And all the employees
are completely aware of it. It is not surprising that after making a crystal model,
creators destroy all records on it. It is done in order not to repeat some unique
models, designed for collectable series. All tools that are used for cutting are made
by the Swarovski company itself.
In 1995, the company opened a museum Swarovski Crystal Worlds. It was created
for the 100th anniversary of the Swarovski factory. It is located just a short drive
from Innsbruck. And the place where it is located is underground.
Here you can see the largest and the smallest ever made Swarovski crystal stones.
The largest one reaches 40 cm in diameter and weighs about 62 pounds! (By the
way it is recorded to the Guinness World Records). And the smallest crystal only
0.8 mm in diameter and can be seen only through a microscope! This amazing
museum annually is visited by 600,000 tourists.
Today the company produces about 80% of all stones that are used in high-quality
jewelry. Swarovski headquarters are still located in the small Austrian village of
Wattens. The number of employees in 2009 was 24,841. Strange as it seems, but
the Swarovski remains a privately owned company that is operated by a family of
Daniel. And they never wanted to become a public company.
Swarovski a company that has now just a great image and reputation. And it is
simply prestigious to own a product from Swarovski. However, the company does
not shun publicity. Once the brand was actively advertised in The Phantom of the
Opera movie. Today Swarovski has its own network of stores worldwide. What will
happen to the company in future? Hard to say. But considering its current weight on
the world stage we can safely say that Swarovski has a brilliant future and the world
will see many more unique products from this company.
We hope youve enjoyed reading Daniel Swarovski biography, his success story and
amazing history of Swarovski company and we hope its inspired you to new
discoveries.
http://astrumpeople.com/daniel-swarovski-biography-crystal-stones-that-shine-likediamonds/ - 5/4/16
Lumea de cristal a lui Swarovski
Lumea de cristal a lui Swarovski (n german Swarovski Kristallwelten) este un parc
de distracii a crui tem principal sunt cristalele. A fost deschis n anul 1995, cnd
s-au mplinit 100 de ani de la nfiinarea fabricii de cristale Swarovski din Wattens
(Tirol, Austria). Fondatorul parcului a fost artistul Andr Heller.
staff housing, sporting and cultural events, and profit-linked bonuses, among other
benefits. This attitude was well ahead of his time and set a standard that to this day
inspires loyalty in Swarovski employees worldwide.
A natural-born innovator
Born on October 24, 1862, and raised in Georgenthal, Bohemiain those days, a
manufacturing hub for glass and crystalyoung Daniel followed his father into the
familys small crystal-cutting business. At 21, he visited the 1st International
Electrical Exhibition in Vienna, where he was stunned by the engineering wonders
from Siemens and Thomas Edison, one of the great inventors of the age. This
started him thinking about how to mechanize crystal production. By 1892 he had
cracked it with the invention of the first machine to cut and polish crystal to an
unprecedented level of precision, brilliance, and perfection. The industry was about
to be revolutionized, but first he had to find the right location to suit his fledgling
business.
In 1919, Daniel Swarovski seized the chance to make his grinding and polishing
tools available to the industrial community via a new subsidiary known as Tyrolit.
But it was during the Thirties that several significant milestones were achieved.
Firstly, in 1931 the company launched a line of crystal trimmings, to the delight of
the garment and accessories sectors, featuring crystals in ready-to-use formats for
edging, hems, and borders. Then, in 1935, Daniels oldest son, Wilhelm, developed
a pair of prototype binoculars. Two years later, Swarovski created a line of glass
reflectors for road and rail, and reflector strips for guardrails, which by 1950 would
be marketed under the brand name Swareflex. And in 1949 , a new company,
Swarovski Optik, became a leading producer of optical lenses.
Born out of a passion for detail and high-precision cutting, these precious
ingredients impart refined glamour to everything they embellish.
For more information regarding the unique characteristics of Swarovski crystals,
please visit our website for business professionals.
* Crystal glass and all other materials containing 0.009% lead or less.
Code Verification
If you want the best, choose the original
Products made using Swarovski crystals are recognizable by the Crystals from
Swarovski seal. Based on the concept of the traditional seal, which was historically
used to prove the authenticity of items of value, the Crystals from Swarovski seal
confers distinction on everything it graces. Created using high-security hologram
technology on silver foil, it bears the words Crystals from Swarovski, together with
founder Daniel Swarovskis signature, and the year in which Swarovski was
established: Since 1895. Together, these communicate Swarovskis long, rich
history.
Our brand is currently in a transition phase: The Swarovski Elements branding is
still valid and will for a certain time exist in parallel with the new Crystals from
Swarovski Branding.
Products embellished with Swarovski crystals may be recognized by the Swarovski
seal. We provide our seal to official partners, who embellish their products with our
crystals and fulfill strict criteria.
The Swarovski seal comprises the latest security features. Apart from its hologram
effect, every seal hang tag and sticker has a unique 16 digit code that can be found
directly below the seal on the front of the tag or sticker.
To check the authenticity of the Swarovski seal tag or sticker, you can verify the
tracking number here. Please insert the code
Corporate Responsibility
Our commitment to Corporate Responsibility has been embedded in the way we do
business since our company was created by Daniel Swarovski in 1895. We maintain
this tradition today in how we strive to add sparkle to the everyday lives of our
employees, customers and suppliers and the broader community on a global scale,
while protecting the natural environment and seeking to leave a rich legacy for
future generations.
To learn more about our Corporate Responsibility at Swarovski visit
www.swarovskigroup.com.
Swarovski Foundation
The Swarovski Foundation
Swarovski's visionary founder Daniel Swarovski, who established the business in
Wattens, Austria, in 1895, demonstrated a strong humanitarian instinct, ensuring
that his business cared for its people and the local community. Since then, five
generations of the Swarovski family have reinforced Daniel Swarovski's commitment
to charitable giving, both within the community and in the wider realms of the
environment, health, arts and culture. The Swarovski Foundation has been created
to build on this heritage.
To learn more about the Swarovski Foundation visit www.swarovskifoundation.org/.
Swarovski Waterschool
The Swarovski Waterschool Program
Water has always been a key element of the companys production processes, but
also of its culture and philosophy, which has demanded respect for human and
environmental values from Swarovskis earliest days.
The objectives of the Waterschool program are to create awareness of the fact that
water is essential to our survival among the participants, to teach the principles of
sustainable water management, and to provide clean drinking water and water
sanitation in schools and surrounding communities where the Waterschool program
is active.
In the past thirteen years, the program has reached approximately 257,000 children
in 2,093 schools worldwide. Around 8,700 teachers have been trained and 565,000
community members have been involved in various water projects.
To learn more about the Swarovski Waterschool program visit
www.swarovskiwaterschool.com.
BRILLIANCE REDEFINED TAKING CRYSTAL ONE STEP CLOSER TO THE DIAMOND
2012 marks 150 years since the birth of Daniel Swarovski, the man who had the
vision to create a diamond for every woman. Appropriately, it also represents
another important milestone: the company he founded over a century ago has just
taken a major step forward in its tradition of innovation. Meet XIRIUS 1088,
Swarovskis most brilliant crystal element a tribute in which Daniel Swarovskis
vision and legacy live on, and the perfect way to honor his birthday.
Named after Sirius, the brightest star in the galaxy, XIRIUS 1088s intricate
gemstone-like cut, rich color, and enhanced foiling have combined to produce an
exceptionally durable new generation of crystal, taking it one step closer to the
diamond.
XIRIUS 1088 is made according to the ADVANCED CRYSTAL standard, the new DNA
of crystal. Its new lead-free and superior formula doesnt only exceed todays most
demanding industry requirements, it also anticipates those of tomorrow. For
Swarovskis partners throughout the world, ADVANCED CRYSTAL is the responsible
choice that leads the way to success in the market.
Introducing Xero, the worlds smallest crystal
Having been the originator of so many market firsts, Swarovski has done it again
with a revolutionary innovation so tiny that it is barely the size of a pen tip. It is, in
fact, the smallest crystal in the world today, weighing in at a mere 0.3 mg20 per
cent smaller than the next smallest crystal on todays market.
Developed in close association with industries such as the wristwatch sector,
XEROs microscopic size offers a wealth of creative possibilities. Its elegant, airy
sparkle fills even the most minuscule areas on intricate jewelry pieces. It can also
produce a micro-pav effect, giving an all-over encrusted effect. Used together with
other sizes of crystal, it creates optical effects that have 3D appeal. Complicated
logos and words with complex detailing are also easily embellished using the new
XERO crystal cut.
With such a microscopic crystal, the right tools are key to handling. New packaging
with micro-chambers has been developed for this purpose. A new lower viscosity
glue with a longer pot life permits the dispensing of infinitesimal doses of glue, and
a Chaton Sieve with the tiniest imaginable cavities places XERO crystals in the
correct position for application. Precision-cut micro-magic from Swarovski.
About Swarovski
Swarovski crystal makes for an exceptional gift. Naturally brilliant, the fashionable
silver-tone necklaces, bracelets, and earrings have proven most successful. True
eye-catchers, the cocktail rings are commanding pieces of impeccable
craftsmanship. Swarovski jewelry truly boosts creative self expression. From
timeless daywear to the bold, glamorous, and fashionable jewelry and evening
Apart from the Online Shop, the Swarovski website hosts a range of special
features, such as the Gift Center, a wish list feature, videos, and the blog. Check out
the Style Edit and more. Last but not least, the Online Shop offers a selection of
online exclusive crystal products which arent available anywhere else.
http://crystals.swarovski.com/ - 5/4/16
The brand
In 1895, Daniel Swarovski, a Bohemian inventor and visionary, moved to the village
of Wattens, Tyrol in Austria, with his newly-invented machine for cutting and
polishing crystal jewelry stones.
From this beginning that revolutionised the fashion world, Swarovski has grown to
be the worlds leading producer of precision-cut crystal for fashion, jewelry and
more recently lighting, architecture and interiors.
Today, the company, still family-owned and run by 5th generation family members,
has a global reach with some 25,000 employees, a presence in over 120 countries
and a turnover in 2012 of 2.38 billion Euros.
Swarovski comprises two major businesses, one producing and selling loose
elements to the industry and the other creating design-driven finished products.
Swarovski crystals have become an essential ingredient of international design.
Since 1965 the company has also catered to the fine jewelry industry with precisioncut genuine gemstones and created stones.
Showing the creativity that lies at the heart of the company, Swarovskis own brand
lines of accessories, jewelry and home dcor items are sold through more than
2,350 retail outlets worldwide. The Swarovski Crystal Society has close to 300,000
members across the world, keen collectors of the celebrated crystal figurines. And
in Wattens, Swarovski Kristallwelten, the multi-media crystal museum, was opened
in 1995 as a celebration of Swarovskis universe of innovation and inspiration.
OUR STORY
Since 1895, founder Daniel Swarovskis mastery of crystal cutting has defined the
company. His enduring passion for innovation and design has made it the worlds
premier jewelry and accessory brand. Today, the family carries on the tradition of
delivering extraordinary everyday style to women around the world.
For more information about the Daniel Swarovski Corporation AG please visit
www.swarovskigroup.com
Swarovski has a long history of giving back to society. Since 1895, five generations
of the Swarovski family have led and maintained the company's commitment to
philanthropy and charitable giving. Today, our mission is to build on this heritage by
making a difference with impactful initiatives locally and globally.